Flashback Springfield: Old City Hall had ‘quaint charm’ but not enough space

Monday

Jun 23, 2014 at 12:37 PMJun 23, 2014 at 12:37 PM

The Illinois State Journal in 1961 called Springfield's Old City Hall an “abused but loyal friend.” It was 66 years old, “weather-defeated and dirt-stained.”

By Rich SaalPhotography Editor

The Illinois State Journal called it an “abused but loyal friend.”

It was 66 years old, “weather-defeated and dirt-stained,” and had a date with the demolition contractor.

The city's gleaming new glass and limestone municipal center was going up right next door, and a chapter of Springfield history would soon be pushed aside. Its uptown cousin, the Old Capitol, had historic dignity, the paper said, but City Hall had more quaint charm.

Well-known local architect S.A. Bullard designed the old building, which fit the style of the era. Bullard probably had been inspired by Henry Hobson Richardson, one of the19th century's most famous American architects, who designed buildings in many of the country's biggest cities.

Like other structures associated with the Richardsonian Romanesque style, Bullard's design included a rough-faced limestone base, a massive stone arch over the main entrance and decoration on the upper floors derived by a variation of color and texture. When the building was built in 1893, it would have given Springfield something architecturally in common with Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo, N.Y.

In addition to being where the city council met and where most city offices were located, City Hall's third floor housed “a most excellent and rapidly growing library,” according to a souvenir program published when the building was dedicated.

Previously, the seat of government, including the mayor's office and the city council chambers, had been housed in a series of rented spaces throughout Springfield.

“The building amply provides apartments (offices) for all the present city officers and for any natural increase that will result in the growth of the city to 100,000 people,” the program said. “Excellent toilet rooms are provided for both ladies and gentlemen. The building is constructed in the most substantial manner and will be a lasting memorial to all those connected with its inception and erection.”

The city council “riot” of 1905 is one of the most colorful episodes of Springfield history associated with the building. During a council meeting in July of that year, a city police officer acting under orders of Mayor Harry Devereux, drew his service revolver on an alderman and threatened to shoot him, while officers beat another alderman to the floor with blackjacks.

In addition, local attorney William Lawler was arrested after the meeting for no other reason than the chief of detectives, Peter Ettelbrick, didn't like seeing him at so many council meetings, the State Journal reported.

The entire dispute revolved around a difference of opinion as to the operation of the city electrical system, which at the time was used mostly to power streetlights. A private company had been operating the electrical utility for years, but its contract was up for renewal, and there were strong feelings both for renewing the contract and for the city to take over operation.

The Illinois State Register described the incident as “one of the most disgraceful performances which the citizens of this city have witnessed for many years.”